Netgate Discussion Forum
    • Categories
    • Recent
    • Tags
    • Popular
    • Users
    • Search
    • Register
    • Login

    How to use pfsense as a transparent sniffer only

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved General pfSense Questions
    3 Posts 3 Posters 699 Views
    Loading More Posts
    • Oldest to Newest
    • Newest to Oldest
    • Most Votes
    Reply
    • Reply as topic
    Log in to reply
    This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
    • C
      crevettedragon
      last edited by

      Hi,

      Here is my use case: I want to upgrade my current internet box with a pfsense box. However, the traffic between the tv box and the internet box is special and I want to investigate it to be able to properly configure my pfsense box.

      As such I want a "sneaky" pfsense that will simply log all traffic and act as a simple Ethernet cable from the internet and tv box perspective.

      What would be the best way to do it ?

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • DerelictD
        Derelict LAYER 8 Netgate
        last edited by

        Why wouldn't you just use a switch with a mirror port there and do whatever you want with the traffic? Wireshark, tcpdump, etc.

        Certainly easier than trying to be transparent with a proxy.

        You don't need to hammer a square firewall into that round hole.

        Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
        A comprehensive network diagram is worth 10,000 words and 15 conference calls.
        DO NOT set a source address/port in a port forward or firewall rule unless you KNOW you need it!
        Do Not Chat For Help! NO_WAN_EGRESS(TM)

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • H
          HackedComputer
          last edited by

          @Derelict:

          Why wouldn't you just use a switch with a mirror port there and do whatever you want with the traffic? Wireshark, tcpdump, etc.

          Certainly easier than trying to be transparent with a proxy.

          You don't need to hammer a square firewall into that round hole.

          This or a LAN TAP such as a Throwing Star LAN TAP

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • First post
            Last post
          Copyright 2025 Rubicon Communications LLC (Netgate). All rights reserved.